ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Friday, March 8, 1996                  TAG: 9603080016
SECTION: LAWN & GARDEN            PAGE: LG-9 EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: NANCY GLEINER STAFF WRITER 

PLANTINGS MAY SUFFER EFFECTS OF HARD WINTER

Some of the effects of this winter's heavy snows may not show up until spring.

Especially where the snow turned to ice, trees and shrubs may show broken limbs and branches. It's important to clean these up by pruning so there are no jagged edges.

Where to prune depends on where the break occurred.

``If a tree branch is shredded [broken] close to the trunk, prune at the trunk location,'' John Arbogast, agricultural and natural resources extension agent for Roanoke, advised. ``If an outer part is broken, prune a few inches closer in to the trunk or nearby side branch.''

On the positive side, the snows acts as insulation for perennials. It helps prevent freezing and thawing and shifting of the soil which can damage root systems or expose the dormant plants to excessive cold.

The roots of perennials may be damaged if melting snow and ice keep the soil too wet. There is no cure, once the damage is done. To avoid this potential problem, plant perennials in a well-drained location. During winter storms, bulbs are too deep to be affected.

To help prevent damage from snow or ice, early prevention is always the best course.

``Although your neighbors might think you're strange, it's a good idea to take a broom and gently brush off the snow before it weighs down the branches [of shrubs],'' Arbogast said.

``Once a shape is bent over, there's no way to tie it back up except with twine or rope,'' he added.

It's best to tie up pyramidal evergreens in the fall to prevent loss of shape, Arbogast said.

Proper pruning of trees and shrubs at the appropriate time is the best preventive care. Shade trees should be pruned at the end of fall, spring-flowering trees, right after blooming ends.

``It's important to keeps limbs strong,'' Arbogast said. ``V shapes are more apt to split apart.''

If fruit trees have been pruned properly in the fall, the heavy snows will not make much of an impact. Pruning gives them a strong shape, thus providing protection.

``Fruit trees need to be pruned anyway, for better production.'' Arbogast said.

The important time to protect outdoor plantings from winter damage begins the previous spring.

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